Page 223 - (DK) The Classical Music Book - Big Ideas Simply Explained

NATIONALISM 1830–1920 221

See also: The Bartered Bride 206 ■ Pictures at an Exhibition 207 ■ Peer
Gynt 208–209 ■ Dvorˇák’s Symphony No. 9 212–215 ■ Appalachian Spring 286–287

The development resented autocratic rule. Against
of Finnish motifs this uneasy backdrop, the Finnish
in Finlandia language, spoken by urban and
rural workers, became associated
with a growing national resistance.
Opening brass Sibelius had been to a Finnish-
fanfare signifies the speaking school, so when his talent
Russian menace. as a composer propelled him to the
forefront of Finnish cultural life, he
was ideally positioned to respond
to the cultural interests of both Jean Sibelius
linguistic communities. Besides
Calm woodwind and mastery of powerful, large-scale Johan Sibelius (he adopted
fervent strings tell of symphonic forms, he had a flair for the French version of his first
Finnish endurance and popular “light music” and sought name later) was born in the
hope for the future. out examples of Finnish folk music. town of Hämeenlinna in 1865.
At first, he wanted to be a
A Finnish fightback virtuoso violinist, but his
In 1899, Russia proclaimed its student years in Helsinki,
“February Manifesto,” which Berlin, and Vienna led him to
Loud and sudden concentrate on composing.
emphasis (fortissimo) cracked down on Finnish autonomy In 1892, after the success of
represents the turbulent and nationalism, including a ban on his choral symphony Kullervo,
anguish of the people. political rallies and the closure of a he married Aino Järnefelt,
Finnish-language newspaper. An with whom he went on to
evening of “Press Celebrations” was have six daughters.
organized in the capital, Helsinki, Further success, including
officially in support of the Press the symphonic poem (single-
Pension Fund but was in reality a movement symphonic work)
Energetic and confident gathering of patriotic resistance. called The Swan of Tuonela
new melody asserts pride The evening included the display of 1895, and then the first of
and resistance.
of specially painted tableaux, for seven symphonies, spread his
which Sibelius was asked to name abroad. The onset of
compose the music. The last of throat cancer in 1908, though
these, “Finland Awakes,” portrayed successfully treated, brought
the region’s proud achievements in a darker mood that influenced
The building of the calming culture and industry. the austere Symphony No. 4
(1911). In the 30 years before
Finlandia tune, redolent of Sibelius then arranged some of his death, in 1957, troubled by
Finnish folk music, symbolizes the music for concert performance, self-criticism, alcoholism, and
emerging clarity. revising “Finland Awakes” as the pressures of fame, Sibelius
Finlandia, its very title aimed at released few works.
international recognition for a
country known to every Finn as
Suomi. Released in 1900, the work Other key works
Triumphant allegro swept the musical world, and its 1892 Kullervo
climaxes in a rallying popularity remains undiminished, 1902 Symphony No. 2
with the central hymnlike tune
cry for the Finns. 1924 Symphony No. 7
widely seen as Finland’s unofficial 1926 Tapiola
national anthem. ■

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